Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Gov. Carcieri Wednesday night submitted the names of four incumbent members of the Coastal Resources Management Council to the state Senate for its advice and consent. The Senate's Committee on Environment and Agriculture was expected to review the nominations Thursday evening.

But even if the names are approved, the council is still down to just seven members, the number it needs for a quorum. Many officials are concerned that an undermanned council won't be able to review and vote on critical projects looming in the near future, particularly a $1.5 billion coastal wind farm and its related developments.

The Senate has approved one bill that would reconstitute the council and allow for more members. A House committee today is set to consider an entirely different bill. Time is running out to get either one through both sides of the legislature. Meanwhile Common Cause is arguing that the governor has the authority to go ahead and simply appoint more members.

Carcieri on Wednesday presented the names of Paul Lemont, Ray Coia and Donald Gomez. They all serve on the council, appointed at a time when the Senate's advice and consent was not necesary. Amy Kempe, Carcieri's spokeswoman, says he is resubmitting them to the Senate now as a courtesy. A fourth council member, Bruce Dawson, had previously been appointed to the council and had received Senate approval.

 Tags  Coastal Resources Management Council wind power

Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.